Long-time employees Monger, Walker to leave at end of school year

Following an hour-long executive session, the Mountain Home School Board finds itself in need of two principals going into the 2018-19 school year.

On Thursday night, the board approved the transfer of administrators and school principals, and accepted the resignation and retirement of two other long-term employees.

Both Pinkston Middle School and Mountain Home Junior High will have new principals in the fall.

“We hate to see good people leave, but that’s the reason we all work, so at some point we can retire”

Mountain Home School Superintendent Jake Long

Reconvening after discussing personnel changes, the school board accepted the resignation of Hackler Principal Sondra Monger at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Monger worked in the district for 34 years.

Pinkston Middle School Principal Allyson Dewey will be sliding over to Hackler Intermediate School as its new principal.

“I feel fortunate that we have a district of high-level professionals that can meet the needs of the district in different ways,” said Superintendent Dr. Jake Long.

In a phone interview on Friday, Long said he wanted to thank those retiring for their years of service.

“We hate to see good people leave, but that’s the reason we all work, so at some point we can retire,” Long said.

Changes will take place next year in the central office as well.

According to Dr. Long, Dr. Dana Brown will assume the responsibilities as director of federal programs. Brown most recently served as director of student services.

The board accepted Mike Walker’s retirement effective at the end of the current school year. The District's Directory of Auxiliary Services, Walker has worked for the district more than 20 years.

Ron Czanstkowski will leave his position as Mountain Home Junior High Principal and become director of student services, along with taking on additional responsibilities in both transportation and assessment. Long said the move was part of a restructuring of duties in the district.

The current director of technology department, Chris Knight, will assume Walker’s responsibilities as the director of auxiliary services in the upcoming school year.

Long added the principal positions at Pinkston Middle School and Mountain Home Junior High will be posted, and a search will begin to seek leaders to fill those roles.